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I May 30, 1933.. E. w. DAVIS 1,

FOLLOW BLOCK Filed July 9, 1929 ATTORN EY 5 from the cards or other records disposed therein, whereby sufficient space at the top Patented May 30, 1933 TO EMINGTON RAND INCL, on BUFFALO, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION or DELA- NITED STATES PATENT-1 .oFFica ELMER-W. DAVIS, or 'nnwron, 'MzissAoHUsEr'rs;Assmrion; BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS FOLLOW Bnoci:

Application filed July 9, 1329. Serial No. 376,397.

springfoll-ow block.

This invention has for an ob ect to provide a follow block of the compression spring type which is simple in construction and adapted to cooperate with a. simple form of filing tray.

Another object of this invention .is'to provide a follow block having means which automatically locks against movement at any point in the length of a filin tray and yet may be instantly released and moved backwards or forwards as desired.

A further object of this invention is to provide a filing tray having guides such as channels in each side thereof cooperating with means carried by the follow block, ,Whereby said block may be locked in any desired position. v

A specific object of this invention is to provide a filing tra having channels in the longitudinal wal s thereof cooperating with spring-controlled means mounted on 'a follow block, whereby said block may be locked in any desired position in the tray or moved as desired.

Other objects will appear from the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and in which: I

Figure 1 illustrates a rear view of a follow block locked in position in a tray, the tray being shown in section.

Figure 2 is a section taken on lines 1-1 of Figure 1. V

Figure 3 is a top plan View of the spring and cross-bars removed from the block.

Referring to the drawing wherein like reference numerals designate like parts, the reference numeral 1 designates a follow block made of any suitable material such as aluminum. The upper edge 2 is round- ,ed by being bent backward and the side edges 3 and 4 are bent rearward at substantially right angles to the face of the block. The block is so disposed in the filing tray 5 that it is inclined or slopes away off the cards is provided'for flexing or moving the cards or records. The sides or ends 3 and 4 of the follow block are provided with slots 6 and 7 respectively. 1 Extending through these slots and slidably disposed therein is a spring 8 having a bowed portion. 9 in the central portion thereof for reasons which will become apparent. Itis preferred that the fit'of the spring 8 in the slots-6 and ;7- be as close as practicalto retain the sliding connection "between the members so that the block is maintained against any substantial rotational movement by the spring. On each end ofthe spring 8 there is secured by welding or the like a cross-bar 10 which is adapted to cooperate with channels ll f ormed in the sides of the tray and extending longitudinally thereof.

Due to the structure and resiliency of the springin its'normal position-"it exerts a pressure whereby the cross-bars 10 engage the channels 11, thus preventing-movement also serve as a guide when the block is moved. To prevent the rocking of the spring assembly in the tray, the cross-bars '10 are, made longenthan the width; of the spring 8. The spring may also be centralized on, theblock, especially when the latter is removed from the tray,j-by means of pi'ns 12. These pins are driven through the spring close to the bent-back edges-of the block and limit the side motion of the block relative to the tray -Inasmuc-h as thespringi8 is utilized-as a mounting membertor the follow block; the

'ri'giditywith which the block stands-in the traydepends largelyupon the shape of the edges of the cross bars 10: coming contact with the channels 11. Thus, rounded "edges are to be avoided. Ifdesired; in

order to obtain a more positive locking action; the, cros s-.ba rs 10 and the channels 11 may he knurled, roughened or otherwise "treated as indicated atf 13 and lt respecor backward to compensate for the varying 'stricted thereto except as defined in number of cards in a file, it is only necessary to release the pressure on the cross-bars 1-0 against the walls of the channels 11. This is accomplished by placing ones fingers under the spring at the bowed portion thereof and the thumb at the top of the block on the rounded edge and pinching together, thus shortening the distance between the crossbarslO. Slight contraction of the spring 8 makes it possible tos'hift the block in the tray by movement thereof. A greater con-v traction of the spring obtained by the use of sufficient pressure permits the block 'to be withdrawn from the tray.

Since it is obvious that various modifications maybe made in the specific details the side walls thereof, a follow block, a contractable spring slidably secured to said block, a cross-bar mounted on each end of said spring, said cross-bars being normally maintained in contact with said channels by the spring whereby said block is locked against movement longitudinally of the tray and adapted to be moved out of contact upon the contraction of said spring whereby said block may be positioned at any position or withdrawn, said cross bars and spring northe side walls thereof, a follow block; a bowed contractable spring secured to said block, a cross-bar mounted on each end of said spring, said cross-bars being normally maintained in contact with said channels by said spring whereby said block is locked against movement longitudinally of the tray and adapted to be moved out of contact upon the contraction of said spring whereby said block may be positioned at any position or withdrawn, said cross-bars and spring wholly supporting said block.

5. In combination, a filing tray having a channel extending longitudinally in each of the side walls thereof, a follower block provided with end portions containing slots, a flat spring'slidably mounted in the slots of said follower block, a cross-bar mounted on'each end of said spring and releasably retained in its corresponding channel by saidspring, said spring and cross-bars cooperating to hold said block in adjusted position and against substantial turning movement. I

In testimony whereof, I have affixed my signature to this specification.

ELMER WV. DAVIS.

mally supporting said block against sub- 7 stantial movement, said spring and said cross bars forming the sole support for said follow block.

3. In combination, a filing tray having a channel extending longitudinally in each of the side walls thereof,'a followblock. a contractable spring slidably secured to said I block, a cross-bar mounted on each end of saidispri ng, said cross-bars being normally maintained in contact with said channels by the spring whereby. said block is locked against movement longitudinally of the tray and adapted to be moved out of contact upon the-contraction of said spring whereby said block may be positioned at any position or withdrawn, said cross-bars and spring wholly supporting and guidingsaid block, v

the contact surfaces-of said cross-bars and channels having friction means to effect a more positive locking- 4."II1 combinatlon, achannel extending longitudinally in each of filing tray having a 

